Turlock advances to semi-finals after sudden death

Turlock’s Aubrey Glidden takes a shot against Tracy during Wednesday’s clash of the Bulldogs.

TWB, together we’re better. It’s written on the wrists of Turlock High’s girls soccer team and it’s a source of pride and inspiration for the Bulldogs. It can be seen not only on their flesh but in the style of play during any given Bulldog game, and Tuesday’s SJS Division I quarterfinal matchup with Tracy High was no different.

Like Turlock’s previous playoff match, 100 minutes passed without a single goal. For the second week in a row Turlock’s fate would be decided via penalty kicks and for the second week in a row the Bulldogs found themselves in sudden death. With the score tied 3-3 Taylor Miguel walked towards the north goal in Joe Debely Stadium, pointed towards her wrist as she looked into the stands, and proceeded to make one of the biggest shots in her soccer career as she pushed the ball past Tracy’s goalie for another dramatic victory. The final score was 4-3.

“We were confident in our team,” Turlock’s head coach Cathi Cshali-Lopez said. “We know we can pull through things even when we’re presented with a difficult challenge.”

Both Bulldog teams had several close calls, missed shots, and key saves during the course of Tuesday’s match. Tracy utilized its speed while Turlock relied on its intensity as the two waged a physical, defensive battle. Turlock’s Ashlen Kuntz anchored the goal, denying every shot Tracy threw her way while Nicole Larson covered the back of the field and helped put pressure on the other Bulldog squad.

“Its dog eat dog out here and tonight we were able to finish it and show our ability,” Cshali-Lopez said.

Tracy owned the first half with eight shots on goal versus Turlock’s four but by the second half the tables had turned. Turlock recorded seven shots on goal in the second half and Tracy only recorded two.

Turlock’s semi-final opponent will either be Franklin High or Vintage High. Either way the Bulldogs will be on the road on Thursday as they shoot for a spot in the finals.